King Saul

Creation date: 14-Jun-2025

The King Given to Israel because of Rejection of God

Last updated: 3-Aug-2026

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Sections

1 King Saul's Beginning
2 King Saul's Steals God's Glory and then Rejected by God
3 King Saul Tormenting by an Evil Spirit
4 King Saul's Jealousy of the Future King David
5 King Saul wants to Murder David
6 David given Opportunity to Defend Himself by Killing King Saul
7 King Saul Visits the Witch of Endor
8 King Saul's Death and the Amalekite's Desire to have a Reward from David
9 King Saul's Legacy

King Saul Beginning

Some initial background scriptural points:
  1. Saul was selected by God to be the first King of Israel based on Israel's vanity that was:
    (a) Against God's leadership,
    (b) Not wanting to be accountable to God,
    (c) Replacing accountability to God to a King, and
    (d) Wanting a King that appeared like and greater to the kings of other lands.
  2. The selection of Saul was the idea in the thoughts of Israel, which God knew. 
  3. The choice by Israel was containing superficial attributes and  appearance, so God selected the exact man that Israel wanted and this was not God's choice.
  4. God absolutely always had a plan for a king to be in Israel and the first king was being prepared by God.

These scriptural points, one through four, show that Israel was becoming arrogant in their victories against the enemies, which God orchestrated the victories, and also showed that Israel was also jealous and envious of the influence of pagan nations that surrounded Israel.

The initial problems with Saul being selected:

  1. Saul was not of the Tribe of Judah which was a problem that God will remedy.  (Know that God exists outside of Time, in Eternity, so He knows all points in Time.)
  2. Centuries before Israel entering into the Promise Land, God has Jacob's name changed to Israel.  The man Israel has sons that each become the Tribes of Israel, where God informs Jacob of the future when Jacob's son Judah will carry the Royal Bloodline "sceptre" until the Messiah came as read in Genesis 49:8-12. 
    Genesis 49:8-12

    Sceptre is ruling.
    Shiloh is Messiah
    8 Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise: Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; Thy father’s sons shall bow down before thee. 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, thou art gone up: He stooped down, he couched as a lion, And as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be. 11 Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes: 12 His eyes shall be red with wine, And his teeth white with milk.

    Shiloh is the future Jesus Christ that is the King of Kings and God.

In the selection of Saul to be the first king of Israel, the scriptural passage verses are very revealing by God.  Israel was told by the Prophet Samuel the following about Saul:

  1. Saul's father was Kish, who was a mighty man of power from the Tribe of Benjamin
    (a) Benjaminites were known from many scriptures as strong and sometimes violent and great warriors.
    (b) The tribe was also known for the horrible incident at Gibeath that was similar to Sodom and Gomorra.
  2. Saul was the most handsome and tallest man in all of the nation of Israel.  the nation of Israel had desired vanity of a man to represent themselves other than God as read and disclosed in 1 Samuel 10:17-24.  God gave Israel them their desires which were against God's plan.
  3. God tells the Prophet Samuel which man to chose for the first King of Israel.  The reason was the Nation of Israel was "crying / asking" for a king so God answered their plea and prayer with the giving the nation of Israel a man that would appeal to their vanity.
  4. The Prophet Samuel selects Saul as the first King of Israel with the Word of God as the authority on the selection.
  5. Anoints Saul and pronounces prophecies and specific activities to accomplish:
    (a) Saving Israel from enemies.
    (b) Face a garrison of the Philistines and do as you will.
    (c) Wait seven days for Samuel to arrive.
  6. The Prophet Samuel presents King Saul to the people.  The Prophet Samuel informs Israel that by their "crying / asking" they have acted as a rejection of God.
1 1 Samuel 9:1 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. .
2 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people
3 1 Samuel 9:15-19 15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” 17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.” 18 Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, “Tell me where is the house of the seer?” 19 Samuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind.
4 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”
5 1 Samuel 10:1-16 1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage. 2 When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”’ 3 Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand. 5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 7 Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. 8 Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.”

9 When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 12 And a man of the place answered, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 13 When he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place.

14 Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” 15 And Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.” 16 And Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him anything.
6 1 Samuel 10:17-24 17 Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. 18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.”

20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

King Saul Steals God's Glory and then Rejected by God

In one of several battles with King Saul, there is an act by Saul that was forbidden and highly disrespectful to God.  God has Samuel confront Saul and informs Saul that he is now rejected by God.

1 Samuel 13:7-14

Kingdom shall not continue for Saul
7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 And Saul said, Bring hither the burnt-offering to me, and the peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt-offering. 10 And it came to pass that, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; 12 therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering. 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath appointed him to be prince over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded thee.

In 1 Samuel 14, the chapter opens with King Saul's son Jonathan with only one armor-bearer battling twenty soldiers at Philistine border outpost where God was with Jonathan and also put the near-by town of Philistines into a state of confusion that they fought to the death with one another of each Philistine.  King Saul's outpost watchman saw the victory and reported it to King Saul, then King Saul took the Ark of God with them into battle while telling the Israelite Priests to withdraw, which was against God's earlier commandments concerning who should carry the Ark of God.

In the battle that was won by the Israelites army, the scriptures informs us that God won the battle for Israel by putting the Philistine's into the state of confusion.  King Saul before the battle had his troops be put under oath to not eat until all the Philistines were killed in the battle.  Unbeknownst to King Saul's son, Jonathan, during the battle he ate honey and had troops eat of captured animals where because of the hunger, ate the slaughtered animals with still blood in them.  When King Saul heard of the breaking of the oath, then King Saul built an alter unto God for the soldiers to sacrifice unto the alter.

After the sacrificing, King Saul said to his army and the priests, that came to the battle area, to attack other areas of the Philistines.  The Priests said that Israel must wait on consulting from God.  King Saul did not wait and went on to battle and win against:

  1. The Moabites,
  2. The Ammonites,
  3. The Edomites,
  4. The Kings of Zobah, and
  5. The Philistines

In 1 Chapter 15, the chapter opens with God having the Prophet Samuel instructing King Saul to kill the Amalekites in war including all women, children, infants, oxen, sheep, camels and donkeys.  King Saul does win in battle against the Amalekites but spared their king and did not destroy all the animals that had value.

King Saul violated God's guidance, disobeyed, and dishonored God which cost Saul his kingship and much more:

  1. King Saul had his troops carry the Ark of God which was only to be done the Levitical Priests, and King Saul told the Priests to withdraw from their role of carrying the Ark of God.  
    1 Samuel 14:18-19 18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) 19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”
    Joshua 3:2 2 After three days the officers went through the camp 3and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.
    Numbers 4:15 15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them by the poles, so that they will not touch the holy objects and die. These are the things in the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.
    1 Chronicles 15:2 David then said, “No one can carry the Ark of God except the Levites. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of God and to minister to him forever.”
  2. King Saul assumes the role of a Priest and sets up an Alter for his army to sacrifice to God.  The Leviticus Priests were the only appointed men to do such as operation.
    1 Samuel 14:33-35 33 Then someone reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.” “You have broken faith,” said Saul. “Roll a large stone over here at once.” 34 Then he said, “Go among the troops and tell them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep, slaughter them in this place, and then eat. Do not sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.’ ” So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
  3. King Saul disobeyed God's instructions that was part of the conditions of winning over the Amalekites.  This sin was the third of King Saul's disregard for God.
    1 Samuel 15:7-9 7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword. 9 Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calvesb and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless.
  4. King Saul tell the Prophet Samuel false statements about doing what God had instructed King Saul to perform.
    1 Samuel 15:7-9 7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword. 9 Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calvesb and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless.
  5. King Saul disobeyed God and Samuel lets Saul know that Saul's action were a rejection of God, so God is rejecting Saul as king.
    1 Samuel 15:22-23 22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.

An interesting act of Sowing and Reaping by King Saul is read in 1 Samuel 15:24-29 after King Saul confesses this sins and tries to obtain forgiveness from God.  Notice that Saul tears the hem of the robe of the Prophet Samuel, which will happen later to King Saul by the truly chosen of God to be King which is David.

1 Samuel 15:24-29 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.” 26 “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. 29 Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

Notes: The group that God had King Saul attack called the Amalekites may have had Nephilim members of the nomadic tribe of the Amalekites. 

King Saul Tormenting by Evil Spirit

After the Holy Spirit departed from King Saul, then God commanded a Fallen Angel "evil spirit" to trouble King Saul. 

Notes:

  1. In the Dispensation of the Old Testament period, the Holy Spirit could come and also depart from anyone.  After Pentecost, which the Apostle Paul was astonished and announced the permanent gift of being "sealed" of the Holy Spirit, in Ephesians 1:3-14.  This was one of gift of many Jesus Christ's payment on the Cross
  2. King Saul after being rejected as King by God, suffered the loss of God the Holy Spirit in his life which had immediate consequences of continual bad choices and suffering without the protection of the Holy Spirit.  King Saul did not lose his Salvation, just the guidance, protection, and blessing of God for the rejecting of God's mandates.
  3. In "1 Samuel 16:14", God sent an evil spirit to trouble Saul.  God does not create evil, but God uses Evil for His Purposes.  Evil is also the absence of anything done that is not God's plans.
  4. God selects David, the son of Jesse, to be the future King of Israel. 
    (a) It is amazing the providence of God to prepare David for his future role as King by having David be in the house of the rejected King Saul. 
    (b) While this author has not seen or heard the comment that this author believed God was also using the exposure of Saul so that David would not do the future murder and adultery without being warned of the strict requirement of obeying God in the role of King of Israel.
  5. In "1 Samuel 16:18", David is brought into the house of Saul to give peace while playing a harp for Saul.  This author would further state that David had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that made the evil spirit of torment on Saul retreat until coming back when David was not in the presence of Saul.
Ephesians 1:3-14 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 unto a dispensation of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, 11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of His glory.
1 Samuel 16:14 14 Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him. 15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 18 Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Jehovah is with him.
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

King Saul Jealousy of Future King David

King Saul became jealous of David's relationship with Saul's son Jonathan, and no longer allowed David in the King's house to visit with Jonathan.  The scriptures indicate that Saul sent David out with his armies in desire to have David die in war. 

While war was not the sin, the grievous sin was Saul sending David to die in war.  Note that David, later his life, will use the same tactic with success, to get Bathsheba's husband killed to cover up the adultery of David which had an adulterous pregnancy.  Note that the fascinating aspect of the pregnancy, is the use of the pregnancy to be one of the many proofs of the Age of Accountability when the baby dies after child birth, and the scriptures inform us that David says he will see the child again.

1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Recall that the people of Israel knew of David's victory over the Giant Goliath, who was a Rephaim, so they believed and trusted in God was with David.  When David return from battles, the women sang a song that glorified David over King Saul:

1 Samuel 17:45-50 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
1 Samuel 18:6-9 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women sang one to another as they played, and said,

Saul hath slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.


8 And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

King Saul tries to Murder David

There were several passages that King Saul tries to kill David.  Biblical Scholars state it was jealousy at the core of Saul along with a Fallen Angel oppression.  Many Biblical Scholars and this author will state the scripture imply and infer that Saul, while being rejected by God as King with great consequences, still believed in God and did not lose Salvation.  The greatest accomplishment of David was at the battle of "1 Samuel 17" against the Philistines where David kills the Rephaim Goliath.

In the following chapter 18 of "1 Samuel", Saul recognizes God in David's life where Saul becomes cautious and even gives one of his daughters, Michal, for marriage to David.  Saul continues to be more cautious and fearful of David.  Before giving of Michal, King Saul has his servants send David to get 100 foreskins of the Philistines where Saul thought David would be Killed as read in "1 Samuel 18;24-29.

In "1 Samuel 19:1-2", Saul tells his Jonathan and the servants that they should kill David, but Jonathan warns David.  Yet, Saul becomes more and more tortured and guilty of the thought of murdering David, but the gratitude that Saul has for David in battles and his soothing presence does not last long and again asks for David's death.  There is many details on the attempts of David's life where absolutely God was protecting David along with providing Jonathan and other for David's protection.

Eventually in "1 Samuel 27", Saul and his army encompass David but a messenger came to inform Saul that Philistines were making a raid on his kingdom, so he left.  David went and dwelt in a the strongholds of En-gedi.

1 Samuel 18:6-9 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women sang one to another as they played, and said,

Saul hath slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.


8 And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
1 Samuel 18:24-29 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. And the days were not expired; 27 and David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might be the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that Jehovah was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually.

David given Opportunity to Defend Himself by Killing King Saul

The following is an excerpt from the King David topic:

There is an incident that David could have killed King Saul in an act of defense, which some Biblical Scholars state that God ordained the incident for these purposes:

  1. For King Saul to know that God could deliver his life unto any enemy, and also to someone who was not his enemy.
  2. To test David and to mature David into knowing that God was in control of David's providence.
  3. For David to learn wisdom on peace in when to let God handle all justice that involved King Saul's evil attention in Saul's sowing that would reap death.

Note that the cutting off of the corner of the robe was the insignia area of embroidery in the ancient world that represented prestige, rank, and more.  When David cut off a piece of the robe, this was signifying the removing of rank.  As analogy, there were incidents in many historical military engagements where the surrendering or captured commanders would have their decorative insignia of rank cut or ripped from their uniforms as an act of extreme hatred and no respect.  David knew what he had done and felt ashamed with the implication that David also knew that he did not have the authority to remove "the Lord’s anointed" and was offending God.

The Cave Incident also marked the acknowledgment and understanding by King Saul that the Prophet Samuel in "1 Samuel 13:7-14" had informed King Saul that he had been rejected by God.  This is why King Saul asked David to not harm or kill his offspring in "1 Samuel 24:20" where David swore not to "cut off" Saul's offspring, and from the scriptures, the future King David did honor the commitment with Jonathan's son named Mephibosheth as read in "2 Samuel 9".

1 Samuel 24:1-22 1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you.  I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.”

16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 22 And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
2 Samuel 9:6-10 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. 10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

King Saul Visits the Witch of Endor

King Saul was in great fear of the Philistines after the death of Samuel.  Saul relied on Samuel and God had not brought a new Prophet for Saul to consult. 

Saul in desperation, did once again something to offend God by consulting a Spiritual Medium Witch to try to get counsel on his predicaments and his fears.

Notice these points on the scriptural passage of "1 Samuel 28:3-25":

1 Samuel 28:3-25 3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.

8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Divine unto me, I pray thee, by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee. 9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? 10 And Saul sware to her by Jehovah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what seest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I see a god coming up out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.

15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 16 And Samuel said, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing Jehovah is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary? 17 And Jehovah hath done unto thee, as he spake by me: and Jehovah hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David. 18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of Jehovah, and didst not execute his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath Jehovah done this thing unto thee this day. 19 Moreover Jehovah will deliver Israel also with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: Jehovah will deliver the host of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.

20 Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. 21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thy handmaid hath hearkened unto thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me. 22 Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou also unto the voice of thy handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before thee; and eat, that thou mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way. 23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. 24 And the woman had a fatted calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof: 25 and she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

King Saul's Death and the Amalekite's Desire for Reward from David

King Saul's death occurred at the battle of the Philistines that Saul had visited with aberation of the Prophet Samuel at the Witch of Endor event.
  1. Israel's defenses were overrun and broken by the Philistines.  Note that when Israel was invaded and lost any battle then this scripturally always indicated that it was God using the invading force as a tool of judgment against Israel. 
    (a) This author would state that the judgment was against Saul and those with him. 
    (b) We do not know how God will judge at the Two Great Judgments where absolutely there will be rewards for those of Faith in God that lost their lives during an judgment on Earth, and those that were the cause of the judgment from God will have greater penalties in the Lake of Fire or loss of rewards in Heaven.
  2. The historical archeological evidence of ancient cultures record that commanders and also kings would often commit suicide to avoid capture, and especially when they were mortally wounded.
  3. The Amalekite did NOT kill King Saul.  Saul was already mortally wounded unto death for his suicide.
  4. When the same Amalekite came to see David, the Amalekite had King Saul's crown and from the conversation that was had the connotation was the Amalekite wanted a reward for bringing the news along with the crown with the hope that the news would be gladly received by David which it was not.
    (a) Notice the untruthful account on how King Saul was found and killed.
    (b) Also the Amalkite said he escaped from the camp of Isralites, which David would have most likely knew it was false since the Amalekite somehow escaped with King Saul's crown.
  5. David had the Amalekite killed where David proclaimed that the Amalekite's death was caused by his own conduct for killing Saul even when that is not what actually occurred. 
    (a) This author would state, that the scripture does not indicate the death was not warranted so it was not murder. 
    (b) The Amalekite was part of an invading military force against Israel and this author would use an analogy of a person being a war criminal like a Nazis in World War II that the war was over and tried to win favor after his capture when not telling the truth.
  6. Some Biblical Scholars point out that is interesting that the Amalkites knew of the division between David and King Saul.  This is also why the Amalekite thought he would be rewarded for King Saul's death even when the Amalekite did not kill Saul.
1 Samuel 31:4-6 4 Then said Saul unto his armor bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armour bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. 6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together.
2 Samuel 1:1-17

A reference is also to the book of Jasher

1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; 2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. 4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.

9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. 10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: 12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. 14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?

15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. 16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord's anointed. 17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

King Saul's Legacy

The Legacy for the Christian to learn from the life of King Saul:
  1. In the start of the role of king of Israel, Saul acted righteously with the commandment from God through the Prophet Samuel.  Saul had faith in God through his actions.  Additionally, Saul did have humility and was annoited by God.
  2. We are all gifted from God with unique talents and also challenges.  Often in life, we will see individuals with everything given to them, that was not often earned, to succeed where their vanity causes them to unrighteously enjoy the benefits in rebellious pretentiousness against God that ultimately ends in failure.  This is the summary statement of the life of Saul with many failures from disobedience of God. 

    Saul's life is similar to the Parable of the unfaithful steward in Luke where Jesus Christ speaks in verse 48 of requirements for all of us in our life where we reap what we sow.  The wiping of penalty in stripes of suffering, in various degrees, are the consequence that we bring onto ourselves.
    Luke 12:47-48 47 And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
  3. The question sometimes heard is dealing with Saul's Salvation with God.  This author would disagree with the very few Christains sources that try to answer the question.  This author believe that Saul has Salvation and never lost his Salvation.  In the rabbinical writing of the Midrash Tehellim on Psalm 18 state the belief that Saul will be in the afterlife with God as part of the righteous.  Additionally, even at the end of Saul's life, David states that Saul was God's annointed.

    It is impossible to lose Salvation despite Saul's many actions recorded in the Scriptures.  Furthermore in this author's opinion, Saul did commit blasphemy against God that will result in no rewards in Heaven.
    1 Corinthians 3:14-15 14 If any man s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.
    2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

What to read next?

Read about the Garden of EdenWhat is Salvation?  Is it possible to lose Salvation?  We have eternal life Evolution is not real.  When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it.  Rewards in heaven.  Do we Tithe?  What does the 3rd Commandment tell us?  What is Grace and Mercy?  Is there an Age of Accountability?  Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?